Sujuni and Khatwa Jackets

These 'Journey Jackets' are made using the beautiful narrative textiles from Bihar and Jharkhand, India. The story cloths in my jackets are exquisite quilted, embroidered and appliquéd materials hand made by rural Hindu and Santal Tribal women through their self-help groups. The women are making and marketing their own visions of daily life and the twenty-first century. This has provided real income as well as a voice for their ideas. I came in contact with their work through my friend and neighbour Skye Morrison, who has been working tirelessly with the women in these groups for the past ten years. I feel fortunate to be opening new creative possibilities between Canada and India as part of this collaborative venture.